Alive to My Calling

Alive to My Calling

There is a great difference between being in the church because of the pleasant life with good friends locally and abroad, and being in God’s living church as one who is gripped of their heavenly calling. Paul exhorts Timothy: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called.” 1 Tim. 6:12. It is impossible for the natural man to understand what God has called us to! The things that God has prepared for those who love Him have not entered into the heart of any man! 1 Cor. 2:9. But through faith in the gospel, the glory and the depths of our calling and election are revealed, and we make these sure by fleeing from the corruption that is in the world through lust. Rather than giving in to the lusts, we give all diligence that the virtues are coming forth from our lives, as is written in 2 Pet. 1:4-8. By being faithful to our calling and election, and by walking in the works which have been prepared beforehand, we make our calling sure. Then it is the divine life that comes forth and our deeds will have significance far into eternity.

Peter writes that since Christ suffered in the flesh, we must also arm ourselves with the same mind. It is precisely by suffering in our flesh that we cease from sin. 1 Pet. 4:1. The fact that I don’t give in to my own will and desires, leads me to suffering in the flesh. By being faithful there in my hidden life where no one sees me, and bowing my own will to God’s will, I will be led to rest and peace in the Holy Spirit. Then I can serve God according to the freedom that the gospel gives, and live the life and walk on the way that Jesus showed us.

We have been called to inherit together with Jesus Christ, our forerunner! He who completed His work on earth in perfect faithfulness to God. He was never unfaithful, and because of this He became the author of eternal salvation for us. If we are to be found worthy of inheriting together with Him, we must be gripped and alive to our calling. Then it’s natural for my thoughts to fall back on this when I have a spare moment. When the opportunity arises, this is what I speak about. Then I’m alive to reflect over my life so I can find more to cleanse. I find the way down and humble myself, so I am not the one who comes forth, but it is Christ who is glorified by my life. In this development, I will have fellowship with the most glorious people on earth, and in my spirit I will have fellowship with Jesus Christ Himself. Then I’ll be rich in God! What more could I want?

Paul exhorts Timothy to hold fast the pattern of sound words which Paul had spoken to him. May we also hold fast the same pattern of sound words in these days, and live a life worthy of our calling and election. Let us love our heavenly Bridegroom, so that when we meet Him, we may not be ashamed, but rather go out to meet Him in garments of fine linen, clean and bright, which are the righteous acts of the saints.